- symbolic speech
-
symbolic speech n: conduct that is intended to convey a particular message which is likely to be understood by those viewing itit is well established that wearing certain clothing can be a form of protected symbolic speech — City of Harvard v. Gaut, 660 N.E.2d 259 (1996) compare commercial speech, pure speech◇ Symbolic speech is entitled to free speech protection under the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution unless its regulation is within the constitutional power of the government and is justified by an important government interest, and the restriction placed on it by regulation is no greater than is essential to the furtherance of that interest.
Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary of Law. Merriam-Webster. 1996.
- symbolic speech
-
n.Conduct or actions without words that express some sentiment or opinion, which may or may not be protected under the First Amendment.
The Essential Law Dictionary. — Sphinx Publishing, An imprint of Sourcebooks, Inc. Amy Hackney Blackwell. 2008.
- symbolic speech
-
A form of speech that expresses an idea or emotion without use of words, such as burning one's draft card, bra, or flag, or picketing. Such activities are protected by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution.
Webster's New World Law Dictionary. Susan Ellis Wild. 2000.
- symbolic speech
-
Nonverbal gestures and actions that are meant to communicate a message.
Dictionary from West's Encyclopedia of American Law. 2005.
- symbolic speech
-
Nonverbal gestures and actions that are meant to communicate a message.
Short Dictionary of (mostly American) Legal Terms and Abbreviations.
